AFZAL HUSSAIN FAUJI | Nainital
The authorities in Nainital have contacted the municipal authorities of Surat in Gujarat to tackle the growing menace of rats in the hill station. This decision was taken as holes being dug by the rodents have weakened walls around the Naini lake, causing some portions to partially collapse. In addition to indiscriminate constructions, the holes dug by rats are also posing a threat to the walls around the lake.
The portion of the wall around the lake from Band Stand to Capital Cinema has suffered damage in recent years with the holes dug by rats being a major reason. The rodents have also dug holes in the land near Band Stand, causing subsidence.Nainital boat owners committee secretary Narendra Singh Chauhan said that the sweet corn sold at Pant Park and areas along the lake is a major reason for the rise in rodent population.
The rat population has increased in Nainital after the Covid-19 pandemic, he said. Local businessman Kamal Pande said that the rat problem is increasing with large rodents being seen even in shops at Mallital, Pant Park and nearby areas. The rats have dug holes along the lake and in the Capital Cinema building. The rats are damaging goods in shops and also increasing the risk of disease, he said.
Nainital municipality executive officer Rohitash Sharma said that district magistrate Vandana Singh has also taken cognisance of the situation. The municipal corporation of Surat has been contacted as that city had witnessed an alarming rise in rodent population in the past.
Focus will be laid on how to tackle the rising rodent numbers with the authorities considering measures to resolve the problem. The rats have made large holes in various locations in Nainital, which also raises the risk of landslide during monsoon, he said.
